Sports
Australian Sensation Oscar Piastri Makes History with Debut F1 Podium
Oscar Piastri has hailed his tremendous breakthrough week in Japan that ended with his first Formula One podium by promising there’s plenty more to come.
The 22-year-old Australian rookie, beginning to fulfil all the promise in F1 that his glittering junior career had long signalled, completed a spectacular week at Suzuka during which his new contract extension with McLaren was announced.
He then celebrated by delivering his first top-two qualifying display to earn a maiden place on the front row of the grid ahead of teammate Lando Norris before his third place in Sunday’s race itself behind Norris and runaway winner Max Verstappen.
“It’s definitely been a pretty special week,” Piastri declared after becoming the first rookie to make the top-three since Lance Stroll six years ago. “You never forget your first podium.
“There are not many people who get this opportunity in their whole life and I’ve managed to have it in my first season,” added the man who becomes only the sixth Australian after his manager Mark Webber (42 times), Daniel Ricciardo (36), Jack Brabham (31), Alan Jones (24) and Tim Schenken (1) to make an F1 podium.
“For now I’ll enjoy the trophy. I’ve been drowned by Lando in champagne – which is a nice problem to have.”
Maintaining a Grounded Perspective
But Piastri, who has so impressed his British team with his calm-headed approach in not getting carried away by each breakthrough he makes, was quick to declare to reporters: “There’s still a lot to learn and try and improve on.
“There are definitely a few things that, had I had this race again, I would’ve done a bit differently, but that’s all part of learning. It’s exciting to know we can finish on the podium even if I feel like there’s more to come.”
The Melbourne driver was adamant that he could have managed his McLaren’s tyres better, which he accepted would have to come with more experience.
“I just wasn’t quick enough at certain points of the race,” he said. “These races (on high-degradation tracks) are probably the biggest thing I need to try and work on at the moment.
“It’s still quite fresh for me, obviously. In all the junior racing before this there are no races like this. So the only way you can learn from it is by just doing the races.”
Piastri’s greatest fan, though, didn’t get over to Japan to watch her son’s big day.
McLaren boss Zak Brown had offered to make sure Nicole Piastri got a plane ticket after she’d enquired on social media following qualifying: “Anyone got a cheap flight to Japan?”
But she eventually politely declined Brown’s gift, saying: “Thank you for the kind offer, but I think it’s best that I have my anxiety attack in the comfort of my own home.”
It appears Piastri’s mum might have a more glamorous venue in mind as she added pointedly: “I do however intend to have mastered the art of meditation in time for the Vegas GP though.”
You won’t believe the string of injuries hitting the NRL this weekend. With Nicho Hynes, Nathan Cleary, and Tom Trbojevic all facing time on the sidelines, teams are scrambling to fill key positions. The impact of these injuries could reverberate throughout the season.
Impact on NSW State of Origin Team
On a weekend marred by injuries, the NSW State of Origin team is facing a major shake-up. With Cleary, Trbojevic, and potentially Hynes out of contention for the upcoming series, coach Michael Maguire is left with some tough decisions to make. The injury woes are forcing Maguire to rethink his lineup and strategy heading into the crucial State of Origin games.
Paralympics Update
Now, McGrath warms up for the Paris Paralympics with a world title under her belt, showcasing her determination and skill in the face of tough competition.
Other Top Stories
Understanding the ever-changing landscape of NSW’s Origin hopes, with injuries to key players like Hynes and Cleary, the team is facing serious roster challenges. However, with a resilient mindset and a deep pool of talent to draw from, the Blues remain confident in their ability to reclaim the Origin Shield.
Sports
Anzac Day clash one out of the top draw for Pies, Dons
Just like the thousands of fans who packed the MCG on Anzac Day, the Essendon and Collingwood players left everything out on the field in a thrilling draw that will be remembered as one of the best home-and-away games in recent times. The Bombers and Magpies played out a pulsating contest in front of 93,644 spectators, with neither team able to secure the victory in the dying moments of the match.
Essendon’s Kyle Langford, who had an outstanding game with four goals, including two crucial ones in the final quarter, had the chance to win the game for his team but missed a set shot from 30m out, resulting in the first draw on Anzac Day since the inaugural blockbuster in 1995. Collingwood also had their opportunity to snatch the win, but forward Jamie Elliott couldn’t hold onto a diving mark near the boundary in the final moments of the game.
“I thought both sides had their opportunity to win the game,” said Bombers coach Brad Scott. “It’s a bit of a hollow feeling, but I said to the players win, lose or draw, the effort and intent is what we’re after, and the players delivered that.”
Collingwood, known for their ability to perform in tight finishes under coach Craig McRae, fought back from a 27-point deficit to level the scores with the Bombers. The Magpies showed resilience and determination throughout the game, with forward Brody Mihocek kicking three goals and veteran Scott Pendlebury becoming the first VFL/AFL player to reach 10,000 career possessions.
Despite the draw, the match provided plenty of highlights, including Elliott’s spectacular mark in the third quarter and Pendlebury’s milestone moment in the first quarter. Both teams showcased their skills and competitive spirit, making it a memorable clash that captivated the audience and showcased the essence of Anzac Day football.
“On a day like today, when most of the footy world would be watching, it’s a great spectacle for our game,” McRae commented after the game. The players from both sides left it all on the field, displaying courage, skill, and sportsmanship throughout the intense battle.
While the result might have been a draw, the Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood will be remembered as a classic encounter that showcased the best of Australian Rules football. The players, coaches, and fans can take pride in the effort and intensity displayed on the field, making it a fitting tribute to the Anzac Day tradition of honoring and remembering those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
Sports
Australians eye happy homecoming at Adelaide’s LIV Golf
Homecoming can be defined as a pleasant return to one’s homeland or ancestral roots, and for Australian golfers Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, Matt Jones, and Lucas Herbert, the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide presents a perfect opportunity for a successful homecoming. With the second tournament set to kick off in Adelaide’s west at The Grange, the Australian golfers are eager to make their mark on home soil.
Reflecting on the previous year’s tournament, Cameron Smith expressed doubts that the feats achieved by American golfer Talor Gooch could be replicated. Gooch wowed the crowd with consecutive 10-under 62s to open the tournament, ultimately finishing at 19 under to claim victory. Smith, who tied for third in the inaugural Adelaide tournament, is impressed by Gooch’s performance and is looking to emulate aspects of his game this year.
One noticeable change this year is the condition of the greens at The Grange, with Smith noting that they seem to be more consistent compared to the previous year. With the home ground advantage on their side, Smith, Leishman, Jones, and Herbert are determined to make the most of the tournament and aim for a win on home soil.
Currently, the Australian Ripper team consisting of Smith, Leishman, Jones, and Herbert is in eighth place out of 12 teams in the standings. However, with the support of the home crowd and familiarity with the course, the Australian golfers are hopeful of climbing up the leaderboard and securing a memorable win.
Leading the individual standings is Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, who has already claimed two victories this season. Despite Niemann’s impressive performance, the Australian golfers are focused on their own game and the possibility of lifting the trophy in front of their home fans.
Marc Leishman, who achieved his best finish in a LIV Golf tournament with a tied-fourth position in Miami, emphasized the significance of winning in Adelaide. A victory at the LIV Golf tournament would not only be a career highlight for any of the Australian Ripper team members but also a momentous occasion for Australian golf as a whole.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the Australian contingent as they strive to deliver a stellar performance on familiar turf. With the support of the local fans and a strong sense of home advantage, Smith, Leishman, Jones, and Herbert are determined to make their mark at Adelaide’s LIV Golf tournament and potentially etch their names in the history books with a victorious homecoming.
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